A RUTHIN firm is set to create 15 new jobs after expanding its operations with the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.

Clifford Jones Timber Ltd, based on Brickfield Lane, is investing £2.5m in a new 20,000 sq ft facility to produce environmentally friendly wood pellets for domestic and commercial heating systems.

The new facility, which is being supported by a regional selective assistance grant from the Welsh Assembly Government, will be an entirely sustainable operation using a wet wood burner that uses bark and timber co-products to dry the timber before compressing it into pellets.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said the investment would provide a new sustainable renewable energy source and create new jobs vital to the rural economy.

“The Assembly Government is committed to supporting businesses throughout Wales and delighted to support this family-run business expand and open what will be the first facility in the UK making wood pellet from virgin timber.”

The family-owned business, which was established in 1948, employs 42 people at its base in Ruthin and has another operation in Scotland which employs 25 and serves the north of England.

It is the UK’s largest manufacturer of round timber products, suitable for use within the agricultural, construction, landscaping and play industries.

Managing director Alan Jones said the new operation would bring added value to the business, as previously their timber co-products would have been sold for chipboard manufacture.

He said they anticipated producing up to 30,000 tons of wood pellets a year to meet the growing demand for renewable energy sources.

“There is a massive demand for wood pellets in Europe and Ireland where grants are available, and governments have actively encouraged people to switch from oil, coal or gas to wood burning systems, providing a future opportunity for us to further expand our export division, to incorporate these areas.”